Shakedown (Gridiron Book 1) Read online

  SHAKEDOWN

  Gridiron Series

  Book One

  LEA HART

  Copyright © 2018 by Lea Hart

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Lea Hart

  Visit my website at www.leahartauthor.com

  DEDICATION

  For all of the girls with messy hair and wild hearts.

  I would like to thank Janell Parque for her editorial wisdom and

  Jacy Mackin for her idea about what to do with those reindeer.

  The only man who deserves you is the man who thinks he doesn’t.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Kicking outside of my coverage

  Jack hadn’t fumbled so badly since Peewee Football and hoped like hell he never did again. He was a fine-tuned football machine, the best damn defensive end in the NFL, and one woman certainly wasn’t going to change that.

  No matter how much evidence mounted to suggest otherwise.

  Giving himself a pep talk, he shook off the bad juju and strode off the field, knowing that one way or another Ana James was going to spend five minutes in his company.

  Even if he had to resort to some shady tactics to make it possible.

  Grabbing a towel from one of the assistants, he wiped off his face and nodded to his best friend, Clark. “You feel like going over to Ronnie’s office after practice?”

  “Not really, but the look on your face tells me I may not have much of choice.” Resting his hands on his pads, he narrowed his eyes. “Does this have anything to do with her best friend who’s avoiding you like a bad rash?”

  “If I tell you she wants me to come by to sign some paperwork, will you believe me?”

  Snorting, he rolled his shoulders. “Not a chance in hell.”

  “I need to get my mind right and have decided that Ana is the person who’s going to make it possible.”

  “One woman’s lack of interest is not your problem.”

  He shifted from one leg to another, then looked across the field. “I know, but I haven’t been able to get her out of my mind since meeting her six weeks ago. Which tells me we need to spend some time together so I can figure out why.”

  “And that doesn’t make you sound like the biggest pansy ass in the league, in case you were wondering.”

  Jack flipped him off and then leaned back so he could stretch out his back. “Don’t really care what it makes me sound like since I don’t give a rat’s ass what other people think.”

  “This has disaster written all over it, but I’m not going to let you go in alone, so I’ll come to Ronnie’s.” Twisting from side to side, he let out a grunt. “What exactly do you hope to accomplish when we’re there?”

  “I’m going to appeal to her soft heart and tell her that I need her help with Ana and pray she doesn’t laugh her ass off.”

  “Ronnie doesn’t have a soft side. She’s a lioness parading as a sweet southern woman and will take you down just as easily as offer you a glass of sweet tea.”

  “I think deep in her heart she knows that Ana and I would be great together, and plan on exploiting that until she helps me out.”

  Clark shook his head and snatched a water bottle from the kid walking past. “Why don’t you just grab one of the women who throw themselves at you on the regular and forget about Ana James?”

  “Not possible, man.”

  “You’re kicking outside your coverage with that one and nothing good is going to come of it.”

  “I’ve been doing the impossible since I was in high school and don’t plan on changing now. Ana fits the picture in my head, and I want a damn chance to see if I’m right. Because if I am, then life just got fucking simple.”

  Flipping his hand up, Clark closed his eyes. “Quit talking.”

  “Don’t be jealous, man, you’ll find yours eventually.” Seeing his coach signal, he waved and then punched Clark. “It’s all going to work out.” And he knew it would because he never let anything get in his way and made doing the impossible a regular habit.

  And the woman trying to make an end-run around him would soon understand that.

  ***

  Ana stood next to Ronnie and stared out the windows at the expansive view of South Beach. “Does the view of half-naked people ever get old?”

  “Not really,” Ronnie responded. “Not that I get a chance to enjoy it very often since professional athletes are about as needy as toddlers.”

  “Well, if anyone can keep them in line, it’s you.”

  Letting out a laugh, Ronnie jutted out her hip. “Even if I have to crack a whip to do it.”

  “Said the woman with an evil glint in her eye.”

  “It’s not evil, just determined.”

  “Speaking of determined, why is Jack Ellis blowing up my phone? Did you say something to encourage him?”

  “Of course not. I’ve done nothing but put a pin in his balloon of infatuation, but whatever you did to him in San Diego is not wearing off. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you cast a spell on him.”

  “I was barely civil, so unless he thrives on rejection, there is no other explanation.”

  “That poor man, bless his heart, has fallen for you and wants a date like his life depends on it.”

  “He only wants what is not immediately available. He’s got the world, women, and fans falling at his feet regularly, so clearly, the one woman denying him has become his holy grail.”

  “Maybe so, but he’s smitten and isn’t going to rest until you’ve agreed to go on a date.”

  “Ugghhh.” Turning, she walked over to a chair that faced Ronnie’s desk and collapsed. “I do not want to date a football player. Especially one that is so…”

  “Nice?”

  “I was going to say big, rich, and popular.”

  “Yeah, who would want that? Sounds disgusting.”

  “Ha. Ha.”

  Ronnie took her seat behind her desk and folded her hands. “I’m not saying you should marry the guy but having a meal together is not a totally crazy idea.”

  “We have nothing in common and would bore each other to tears within ten minutes.”

  “Excuses,” Ronnie announced. “Flimsy excuses.”

  Groaning, Ana sat forward. “Why are you on his side?”

  “I’m not, but he’s so love-struck that a little piece of my cold heart can’t help but react. It’s so damn endearing.”

  “Where is my friend Ronnie?” Leaning back, she narrowed her eyes. “Clearly, you’re an imposter and can’t be trusted.”

  Letting out a huff, she moved things around on her desk. “I know; it’s weird, and the only explanation I can come up with is that being pissed off for a year has worn me down.” She picked up a small voodoo doll from the bowl on her desk and flipped it around. “If I’m not careful, I may become a matchmaker.”

  “Please, don’t.” Hearing heavy footsteps, she turned and saw Ella walk in. “How can you wear Doc Martins in Florida?”

  “The same way I wore them in Texas. It’s my signature look, and a little heat and humidity aren’t going to change that.”

  Ronnie stood and smiled. “Never let the elements take your style.”

  “Not hard since I hardly have one,” Ana mumbled as she hugged Ella and t
hen let Ronnie do the same. “Should we run out and grab lunch now?”

  “Not necessary,” Ronnie replied. “Nelson is picking it up for us and should be back shortly.”

  “I love Nelson,” Ella swooned as she sat down and smoothed out her flowered dress. “He’s the only man that understands my sense of humor and doesn’t make me nervous.”

  “That’s because he’s gay and adores you,” Ronnie replied. “If he were hetero, it would be a whole different ball game.”

  “I know,” Ella replied with a sigh. “I need to practice casual chit-chat with regular men and see if it’s possible not to make them run away.”

  “They don’t run away,” Ana responded as she took her friend’s hand. “They just don’t know what to do with all of your colorful stories.”

  Ella rolled her eyes and leaned back. “My mama used to say the same thing to my aunt right before she was committed.”

  “My next party will be the perfect opportunity for you talk to as many men as you can stand,” Ronnie said as she took her seat. “I’ll tell Gerald to make sure the guest list includes some candidates for you.”

  “What about Ana?” Ellie asked.

  “There’s a certain football player who’s very interested, and I think she should give him a chance before she takes on anyone else.”

  “Yeah, that’s not going to be a shit show,” Ella responded as she glanced over.

  “It’s time you both kick outside of your coverage because dating another brainiac clearly isn’t the answer.”

  “And what does that mean?” Ana asked.

  “Loosely translated, it means going after someone who you wouldn’t normally consider.”

  Ella smirked and raised an eyebrow. “That is a very loose interpretation since it usually refers to dating someone out of your league.”

  “Exactly,” Ronnie replied. “Because it’s time we all considered men who are not our intellectual equals.”

  “Certainly gives us a much bigger dating pool,” Ella responded.

  “And a lot more men who can tell us they’d prefer sexy over smart.” Shaking her head, Ana crossed her arms. “No thanks.”

  “Open mind, open heart,” Ella responded.

  “And where did you pick up that piece of wisdom?” Ronnie asked.

  “Fortune cookie.”

  “Can’t make me,” Ana replied as she studied both her friends. When they each gave her a bland smile and nodded, she knew they were absolutely going to make her. Whether she would survive was a whole other question.

  CHAPTER TWO

  It’s not how you start, but how you finish.

  Jack walked into Ronnie’s office with Clark and was surprised when Nelson stood and shook his head. Usually, the former linebacker was friendly, but the crossed arms and frown told him something had changed. “Hey, man, what up?”

  “Don’t play innocent with me. I know you dragged your skinny white ass down here so you could harass my girl, Ana, and I’m not going to have it.”

  Letting out a bark of laughter, Clark rocked back on his heels. “No way, the woman is here?”

  “Yes, Samson, the girls are having lunch, and I’m not letting you two in.”

  Clark shook out his long blond locks and grinned. “Don’t be hatin’ on my hair just because you’re bald.”

  Nelson ran his hand over his shiny dome and grinned. “Ain’t nothing wrong with my vibe. I have to peel the men off whenever I’m out, so your Goldilocks curls don’t mean shit.”

  Feeling sweat trickle down his back, Jack tried to pull himself together and think of which play would gain him the most advantage. He decided that ending the run she’d eventually try was his best bet and took in a long breath. Sometimes stopping play was the best move and he knew keeping her in the game was the most important thing he could do. “Ronnie told me to come by today to sign some papers, so you better tell her I’m here.”

  Nelson glanced over his shoulder at the closed door and then bounced his eyes back to Jack. “Maybe boss lady is keeping the playbook to herself because there’s no way you and Ana being here on the same day is a coincidence.”

  “Damn right,” Jack replied as he smoothed his hand down his shirt. “I bet she wouldn’t mind a bit if Ana and I spent some time together.”

  Clark elbowed him and shook his head. “Too much, man. You go in like the cock of the walk and any chance you have will disappear faster than rain on the sidewalk in the middle of July.”

  Before more could be said, Ronnie’s office door opened, and Ana walked out dabbing her dress with a napkin. Fuck, she’s ten times more adorable than I remembered, Jack thought as he took a step forward.

  “Nelson, do you have a stain stick in your desk?”

  “Hey, Ana.”

  Head flying up, she stopped. “Jack, what are you doing here?”

  “Just signing some papers.”

  “Oh, well that’s…”

  “Amazing,” he finished as he took another step closer. Hearing Clark clear his throat, he stopped and told himself that scooping her up into a hug wasn’t an option. No matter how badly he wanted one. “It’s good luck we ran into each other today because we need to come up with a date for the dinner I promised you.”

  “Oh, that’s not necessary.” Turning, she took the stain stick out of Nelson’s hand and uncapped it. “I’m sure you’re very busy with the season and whatever else you do.”

  “I’ve got all the time in the world for you.”

  “Is that him?”

  Looking up, he saw an attractive woman with long blonde hair walk out of the office and assumed she was the other best friend. “Hi, I’m Jack.”

  “Wow, Ana was right, you are big, and apparently more determined than a bull since she’s been rejecting your invitations for two weeks.”

  Ronnie walked out, looked around, and sighed. “Ella, be nice.”

  “I’m always nice,” she replied with a shrug. “My mama wouldn’t allow anything else.” Walking over to Clark, she looked up and narrowed her eyes. “If you tell me your secret to having no frizz in Miami, I’ll make you a peach pie.” Lifting her long hair, she twisted it up. “I can’t seem to keep mine under control.”

  Laughing, Clark threw his head back. “Women want a lot of things from me, but hair secrets isn’t one of them.”

  “Well, that’s the only thing I’m interested in.” Stepping back, she let her eyes roll over him slowly. “You’re attractive, but in no way my type, and spending more than five minutes in your company would probably give me a stress headache.”

  “I can relate,” Ana said quietly.

  “Why?” Jack asked quietly as he bent down and ignored the beginning of an argument between Ella, Ronnie, and Clark. “I thought we hit it off when we met in San Diego.”

  “A fifteen-minute civil conversation is not hitting it off, Jack.”

  “It felt like we had some chemistry,” he replied stubbornly as he took the stain stick out of her hand and rubbed it on the spot on her dress. “I bet if you give yourself a minute, you’ll feel it too.” Hearing her stifle a laugh, he wondered if she was pleased or pissed. “One meal together isn’t going to kill you.”

  “It might, but I’m starting to think you’re not going to give up until I agree.”

  Lifting his eyes, he grinned. “Yeah, you’ve got that right.”

  “Fine,” she replied quietly.

  Rubbing the fabric of her dress together, he nodded and then kissed her head. “Stain is gone, and I’ll pick you up tonight at seven.”

  “You don’t want to wait a couple of days?”

  Snorting, he let out a laugh. “And give you time to change your mind or skip the country?” He took her hand and grinned. “Not a chance, honey.”

  Groaning, she stepped back. “Fine, let’s just get this over with.”

  He took a step closer and bent down so their faces were close. “Years from now, when we’re happily married, I’m going to remind you of your words, and I bet we’l
l have a good laugh.”

  Running her hand over his head, she narrowed her eyes. “Maybe I should arrange for an MRI because, clearly, the hits you’ve been taking have scrambled your brain.”

  “Ana, I don’t take hits, I inflict them.” Pressing her hand against his mouth, he kissed her palm. “When I see something I want, there is nothing that stops me, and if you Google some of my games, you’ll see exactly how determined I can be.”

  Sliding her hand away, she stepped back. “I’m definitely scheduling an MRI.”

  “Let’s save that for our second date.” When she smiled and shook her head in response, he knew the yard he gained had made his next move that much easier.

  And that was a hell of an accomplishment.

  ***

  Nelson closed the office door and let out a long breath. “Ronnie Du Mond, you are up to something, and I hope your friends forgive you.”

  “I’m innocent,” Ronnie replied as she slipped out of her heels. “In case y’all have forgotten, this is my place of business, and those two men who just left are some of my biggest clients. They each have portfolios over fifty million dollars, and I’m not about to kick them out because one of them has a crush on Ana.”

  “That’s a whole lot of explaining for someone who’s allegedly innocent,” Ella commented.

  Ronnie bent over, picked up her shoes, and gave everyone a saucy smile. “Innocent until proven guilty.”

  “And that’s exactly what you are: guilty,” Ana shouted as she followed Ronnie into the office. “I have to go to dinner with Jack tonight.”

  Sliding into her chair, Ronnie shrugged. “I didn’t see him holdin’ a gun to your head, so the ‘have to’ might be a slight exaggeration.”

  “Which means I lost the bet with Clark because I told him the only way we would be sharing food was if Ana went out with Jack,” Ella added as she pulled out her phone.